Staying up to date: Why Independent Garages Should Upgrade to Connected MOT Equipment in 2023
With the ever-changing landscape of equipment and evolving work patterns, MOT stations need to stay up to date with new legislation and innovations. One of the significant automotive industry introductions is connected MOT equipment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of upgrading to connected MOT equipment and why independent garages should consider making the switch in 2023.
The Evolution of the MOT Test
The MOT Test is continually evolving to improve safety and the environment, and embracing these changes is crucial for MOT stations. Connected MOT equipment has revolutionised the testing process, starting with the introduction of the roller brake tester in 2019. Since then, additional connected equipment such as brake decelerometers, petrol gas analysers, and diesel smoke meters have become available. The DVSA has also expressed plans to expand the range of connected equipment to include electronic headlight beam testers and number plate recognition systems in the future.
What you need to know! To comply with DVSA regulations, any Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) that is newly opening, has changed ownership or recommenced MOT testing after inactivity or that is replacing emissions testing equipment, must upgrade to connected status. Garages must comply with this requirement stay in line with regulatory standards and maintain authorisation for MOT testing. Connected MOT equipment can communicate directly with the DVSA’s system with a single press of a button which helps eliminate data entry errors. Please note: This rule does not apply to any current equipment you have unless you replace it. All equipment must be kept in good working order and calibrated regularly by a qualified UKAS technician.
Enhanced Efficiency and Accuracy: The primary objective of connected MOT equipment is to improve testing efficiency, save time, increase accuracy, and reduce manual data entry by MOT testers. By directly retrieving vehicle information from the DVSA database and automatically transmitting test results, connected equipment eliminates the need for manual data entry, minimising the risk of human error. This not only saves time but also improves accuracy, ensuring a better standard of MOT tests.
Talkin' about a Revolution
As technology continues to advance and integrate into our daily lives, leveraging it into business operations is becoming imperative. Upgrading to connected MOT equipment offers a streamlined workflow, as data is seamlessly transferred between the DVSA database and the MOT testing workstation. This saves time, eliminates errors, and reduces the need for physical result printouts. The benefits of saving time and money on each MOT test adds up over time, highlighting the importance of embracing technology. Given these benefits, it is only logical to leverage technology in your business to enhance efficiency and profitability.
Current Challenges Faced by Motorists
Given the rising cost of living in the UK, a significant portion of UK motorists are deferring routine maintenance tasks and servicing due to financial constraints. Consequently, they only visit workshops for MOT tests, tyre replacements, or breakdown situations.
Implications for Independent Garages
A promising outlook providing MOT tests might be one of the few avenues through which you can engage with local customers. The revenue generated from MOT tests, along with the additional work addressing test advisories and critical repairs, makes having a test bay an undeniable advantage. This is particularly crucial considering the anticipated decline in general servicing work due to ongoing customer concerns about costs and manufacturers' recommendations of service intervals.
Why Make the Switch to Connected?
Upgrading old equipment to a connected MOT system like an automated or one-person test lane offers significant productivity enhancements, cost savings, and potential revenue-boosting benefits. Integration with the MOT Testing System saves time, eliminates input errors, and eliminates the need for physical result printouts. Just think about the number of MOT test you do in a day, saving time and money on each will pay big over a year, after all, TIME IS MONEY!
Conclusion
In 2023, independent garages should seriously consider upgrading to connected MOT equipment to stay competitive, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
The evolution of the MOT test embraces new technology and gives huge benefits. By making the switch to connected MOT equipment, independent garages can maximise their services, increase customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in the evolving automotive industry.
Product Spotlight: Sun® Connected Roller Brake Tester and Emissions Analyser
Sun® Connected Roller Brake Tester
Sun® DGA6000 LINK Emissions Analyser
LATEST CONNECTED MOT EQUIPMENT PROMOTION
Take the brakes off brake testing with the Sun® Connected Roller Brake Tester which meets the latest DVSA regulations for connected MOT testing and provides fast and accurate results.
Buy a class IV or VII brake tester before 30th September 2023 and get the DGA6000 Link Emissions analyser at half price*
Sun Brake testers are suitable for MOT class IV or VII and come with a 10-year roller surface warranty. What's more, combine it with the Sun DGA6000 Link, so you can seamlessly integrate all of your MOT testing equipment together to save your technicians time and increase productivity every single day.
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